Braced truss frame and fall protection system

ABSTRACT

A bracing panel for constructing a truss frame having spaced trusses includes first and second engagement members having outer faces extending parallel to each other. A plurality of spacing members are attached to the first and second engagement members. The plurality of spacing members are configured and dimensioned to maintain the outer faces of the first and second engagement members parallel and spaced by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing. A bracing member extends between the first and second engagement members and laterally with respect to the spacing members for providing lateral support to the spacing members.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to truss frames, and more specifically to a braced truss frame and fall protection system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of trusses in the building of structures is commonplace. When the trusses are installed, regulations require that they be braced for structural integrity during installation. Typically, the trusses are braced to the ground. Ground bracing can be a time- consuming process, and the ground braces must be removed when the structure is completed. Furthermore, OSHA regulations require that workers have a fall protection system for safety when working 6 feet or more above the ground. Fall protection systems include harnesses and lifelines connected to an anchoring device mounted on the structure to ensure the worker does not free fall from tall structures, potentially causing injury. Conventional anchoring devices for tying off on a structure require the structure be braced, or alternatively, the structure include sheathing covering the truss. Sheathing, however, is added later in the construction process after the trusses are fastened in position. Bracing the structure is inconvenient and time consuming. Because the trusses must be braced before using the fall protection system, many workers do not use fall protection systems or only use them during later stages of construction, reducing worker safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a bracing panel for constructing a truss frame having spaced trusses includes first and second engagement members having outer faces extending parallel to each other. A plurality of spacing members are attached to the first and second engagement members. The plurality of spacing members are configured and dimensioned to maintain the outer faces of the first and second engagement members parallel and spaced by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing. A bracing member extends between the first and second engagement members and laterally with respect to the spacing members for providing lateral support to the spacing members.

In another aspect, a braced truss frame includes first and second trusses. Each truss includes a chord member having an upper surface aligned coplanar with the chord member of the other truss. A plurality of first bracing panels are attached to the chord member of the first truss and attached to the chord member of the second truss. The first bracing panels have a width sized for spacing the first and second trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing. The first bracing panels maintain the chord members of the first and second trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing.

In yet another aspect, a method of preparing a truss frame for installation on a wall structure includes connecting a plurality of first bracing panels to a first truss. A first engagement member of each of the first bracing panels extends parallel to and engages a chord member of the first truss along a length of the first engagement member. A second truss is connected to the first bracing panels opposite the first truss. A second engagement member of each of the first bracing panels extends parallel to and engages a chord member of the second truss along a length of the second engagement member. Each of the first bracing panels has a width sized for spacing the first and second trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing. The first bracing panels maintain the chord members of the first and second trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a building structure including a braced truss frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a bracing panel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of a first truss having a plurality of bracing panels attached thereto and a second truss positioned for attachment to the bracing panels opposite the first truss;

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the first and second trusses attached with bracing panels, with additional bracing panels attached to the opposite side of the second truss and a third truss positioned for attachment to the additional bracing panels;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the braced truss frame;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective of a first embodiment of the bracing panel fastened between the first and second trusses;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective of a second embodiment of the bracing panel fastened between the first and second trusses and supported by reinforcement members;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective of a third embodiment of the bracing panel attached to the first and second trusses by a hanger;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of the hanger used to connect the bracing panel and the trusses in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial bottom perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 8 showing the hanger connected to the bracing panel;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective of the braced truss frame showing an anchor attached to the frame;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of the braced truss frame installed on a wall structure; and

FIG. 13 is a front elevation of the wall structure and the braced truss frame and an additional truss attached to the braced truss frame.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a braced truss frame is generally indicated in its entirety by a reference number 20 and is shown installed on a wall structure, generally indicated by 22. The braced truss frame 20 includes trusses 24 and bracing panels 26 connecting the trusses and maintaining the trusses in spaced parallel alignment. Each of the trusses 24 includes truss members including chord members 28. The chord members 28 include upper chord members 30 and a lower chord member 32 joining the lower ends of the upper chord members. Web members 34 extend between the upper and lower chord members 30, 32. The number and orientations of the web members 34 and the chord members 28 may vary from the illustrated embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention, as the bracing panel 26 according to the present invention is readily applicable to other truss configurations. Moreover, the bracing panel 26 may be used in a structural support other than a roof truss.

Referring to FIG. 2, the bracing panel 26 is formed from wooden structural members including engagement members configured to engage the chord members 28 of the trusses 24 and spacing members configured to space the engagement members. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracing panel 26 includes a first engagement member 40 and a second engagement member 42 opposite the first engagement member. The first engagement member 40 has an outer face 44 that extends parallel to an outer face (not shown) of the second engagement member. A first spacing member 50 is attached to the first and second engagement members 40, 42, and a second spacing member 52 is opposite the first spacing member and also attached to the first and second engagement members. The first and second spacing members 50, 52 maintain the outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 in parallel alignment and spaced by a distance 54 equal to a predetermined truss spacing. The distance 54 between the outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 is the width of the bracing panel 26. The first and second spacing members 50, 52 can extend to the outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42, or can extend only to inner faces of the first and second engagement members. The bracing panel 26 further includes a bracing member 56 extending between the first and second engagement members 40, 42. The bracing member 56 extends laterally with respect to the spacing members 50, 52 for providing lateral support to the spacing members.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the wooden structural members of the bracing panel 26 are attached to each other by nailing plates 60. First nailing plates 60 a on the top and bottom of the bracing panel 26 (only the top is shown) connect the first engagement member 40, the first spacing member 50, and the bracing member 56. Second nailing plates 60 b on the top and bottom of the bracing panel 26 (only the top is shown) connect the second engagement member 42, the second spacing member 52, and the bracing member 56. Third nailing plates 60 c on the top and bottom of the bracing panel 26 (only the top is shown) connect the first engagement member 40 and the second spacing member 52. Fourth nailing plates 60 d on the top and bottom of the bracing panel 26 (only the top is shown) connect the second engagement member 42 and the first spacing member 50. Other configurations for attaching the wooden structural members are within the scope of the present invention, such as nails, screws, or other suitable fasteners.

The number of spacing members and bracing members may vary from the illustrated embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the bracing panel 26 can include a plurality of spacing members attached to the first and second engagement members 40, 42. The bracing panel 26 can also include a plurality of bracing members 56 extending between the first and second engagement members 40, 42. Other configurations are within the scope of the present invention.

The bracing panels 26 are attached to the trusses 24 to brace the trusses and maintain the trusses in spaced parallel alignment. A plurality of first bracing panels 26 a are attached to a first truss 24 a. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first bracing panels 26 a are attached to the chord members 28 of the first truss 24 a at spaced locations. The number and spacing of the bracing panels 26 a attached to the first truss 24 a may vary within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the bracing panels 26 are spaced a distance of 10 feet or less on center from each other. In one embodiment, the bracing panels are spaced a distance of 6 feet on center from each other. A second truss 24 b is connected to each of the bracing panels 26 a opposite the first truss 24 a. The first bracing panels 26 a are attached to the chord members 28 of the second truss 24 b. The bracing panels 26 a maintain the chord members 28 of the first and second trusses 24 a, 24 b in spaced parallel alignment. The bracing panels 26 a also maintain upper faces 66 of the chord members 28 of the first and second trusses 24 a, 24 b in spaced coplanar alignment (see FIGS. 6-8). Upper faces 68 of the panels 26 can be coplanar with the upper faces 66 of the chord members 28. Alternatively, the upper faces 68 of the panels 26 can be offset from the upper faces 66 of the chord members 28. The chord members 28 are spaced by the distance 54 equal to the width of the bracing panels 26. The distance 54 corresponds to a predetermined truss spacing for spacing trusses at any standard distance known in the art. For example, one standard truss spacing is 24 inches on center, which corresponds to 22.5 inches between the closest truss faces. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the distance 54 is 22.5 inches to achieve the standard on center truss spacing.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of second bracing panels 26 b are attached to the second truss 24 b. The second bracing panels 26 b can be aligned with the first bracing panels 26 a vertically and horizontally and attached to the chord members 28 of the second truss 24 b opposite the first bracing panels. Alternatively, the second bracing panels 26 b can be offset from the first bracing panels 26 a, either vertically, horizontally, or both vertically and horizontally, to permit easy attachment of the bracing panels and the trusses 24. In one embodiment, each second bracing panel 26 b is attached to a chord member 28 of the second truss 24 b on the opposite side of the chord member from a first bracing panel 26 a and adjacent to the first bracing panel. A third truss 24 c is connected to each of the second bracing panels 26 b opposite the second truss 24 b. The second bracing panels 26 b are attached to the chord members 28 of the third truss 24 c. The bracing panels 26 b maintain the chord members 28 of the second and third trusses 24 b, 24 c in spaced parallel alignment. The bracing panels 26 b also maintain upper faces 66 of the chord members 28 of the second and third trusses 24 b, 24 c in spaced coplanar alignment. Upper faces 68 of the panels 26 can be coplanar with the upper faces 66 of the chord members 28. Alternatively, the upper faces 68 of the panels 26 can be offset from the upper faces 66 of the chord members 28. The chord members 28 are spaced by the distance 54 equal to the width of the bracing panels.

Each wooden member incorporated into the bracing panels 26 has a rectangular cross section having two narrow sides and two wide sides. As shown in FIG. 6, the wooden structural members of the bracing panels 26 can be oriented so that the surfaces incorporating the two wide sides form the outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 (i.e., the wooden structural members are oriented vertically as illustrated). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the wooden structural members of the bracing panels 26 can be oriented so that the surfaces incorporating the two narrow sides form the outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 (i.e., the wooden structural members are oriented horizontally as illustrated).

Referring to FIG. 6, a first option for connecting the bracing panels 26 to the trusses 24 is illustrated. The bracing panels 26 can be attached to the chord members 28 by fasteners 70. As illustrated, first and second end faces of each of the first and second spacing members 50, 52 engage the chord members 28. Two fasteners 70 extend through the chord members 28 and into each of the end faces of each spacing member 50, 52. The two fasteners 70 extending into each of the end faces of the spacing members 50, 52 are preferably vertically aligned and extend through a center of the end face. The fasteners 70 in each end face can be spaced by a distance of about 1.5 inches. The outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 engage the chord members 28 along a length of each engagement member. Fasteners 70 extend through the chord members 28 and into the outer faces 44 of each engagement member 40, 42. In the illustrated embodiment, two fasteners 70 connect each engagement member 40, 42 to the chord member 28. The fasteners 70 are generally centered vertically in each engagement member. In one embodiment, the fasteners 70 can be screws, such as 2⅞ inch HEADLOK screws sold by FastenMaster of Agawam, Mass. HEADLOK is a U.S. federally registered trademark of Handy & Harman Corporation of White Plains, N.Y.

Referring to FIG. 7, a second option for connecting the bracing panels 26 to the trusses 24 is illustrated. The bracing panels 26 can be attached to the chord members 28 by a combination of fasteners 72 and reinforcement members 74. In this embodiment, a reinforcement member 74 is connected to the chord members 28 adjacent each spacing member 50, 52. The reinforcement members 74 reinforce the spacing members 50, 52 against in-plane bending. The reinforcement members 74 have a width equal to the width of the bracing panel 26. The reinforcement member 74 can be a metal channel member that engages a face of the spacer member 50, 52. The reinforcement members 74 include tabs 76 that can be bent to engage the chord members 28. Fasteners 78 extend through the tabs 76 to connect the reinforcement member 74 to the chord member 28. The fasteners 78 connecting the reinforcement member 74 to the chord members 28 can be any suitable fastener, such as 1⅝ inch wood screws. The outer faces 44 of the first and second engagement members 40, 42 engage the chord members 28 along a length of each engagement member. Fasteners 72 extend through the chord members 28 and into the outer faces 44 of each engagement member 40, 42. The fasteners 72 connecting the engagement members 40, 42 and the chord members 28 can be any suitable fastener, such as 3 inch wood screws.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a third option for connecting the bracing panels 26 to the trusses 24 is illustrated. The bracing panels 26 can be attached to the chord members 28 by a plurality of hangers 84. Each hanger 84 includes a first portion 86 configured to surround a portion of the chord member 28 and a second portion 88 configured for attachment to the bracing panel 26. As seen in FIG. 9, the hanger 84 includes an intermediate portion 90 between the first and second portions 86, 88. The intermediate portion 90 is positioned between the bracing panel 26 and the chord member 28 when the hanger 84 is installed. Fasteners 92 attach the hanger 84 to both the chord member 28 and the bracing panel 26. As illustrated, four hangers 84 can be used to attach the bracing panel 26 to the trusses 24 at each corner of the bracing panel. Other configurations and suitable hangers for attaching the bracing panels to the chord members are within the scope of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 11, an anchor 94 can be attached to the braced truss frame 20 adjacent the bracing panels 26. Preferably, the anchor 94 is attached to the second truss 24 b between the bracing panels 26 and an apex 96 of the truss. Other configurations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the anchor 94 can be attached to any of the trusses 24 b at any location along the truss. Some trusses, for example, longer trusses, may require multiple anchors 94 along their length. The number and position of the anchors 94 should be selected based on the configuration of the truss. The anchor 94 is configured to support a worker during attachment of trusses once the three truss braced truss frame 20 has been installed and secured to the wall structure 22 in the event a safety line is needed. Any suitable anchor can be used, such as an ARS Super Anchor sold by Super Anchor Safety of Woodinville, Washington.

Once the three truss braced truss frame 20 is assembled as described, the braced truss frame is installed and secured on top of the wall structure 22, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Because of the bracing panels 26 connecting the multiple trusses 24, the braced truss frame 20 is sufficiently braced and requires no additional bracing. Accordingly, the need for ground bracing is eliminated. Furthermore, once the braced truss frame 20 is installed and secured to the wall structure 22, a worker can tie off on the anchor 94 for fall protection while installing the remaining trusses to complete the roof. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the remaining trusses can quickly be connected to the braced truss frame 20 by attaching bracing structures 98 between adjacent trusses to attach adjacent trusses. Any suitable bracing structure can be used to attach the remaining trusses, such as the STABILIZER sold by MiTek USA, Inc. of Chesterfield, Miss. STABILIZER is a U.S. federally registered trademark of MiTek Industries, Inc. of Chesterfield, Miss. The bracing panel 26 and braced truss frame 20 according to the present invention simplifies installation of a roof, eliminates the need to brace trusses to the ground, and also offers a simple fall protection system for the safety of workers installing the roof

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A bracing panel for constructing a truss frame having spaced trusses, the bracing panel comprising: first and second engagement members having outer faces extending parallel to each other; a plurality of spacing members attached to the first and second engagement members, the plurality of spacing members configured and dimensioned to maintain the outer faces of the first and second engagement members parallel and spaced by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing; and a single bracing member extending between the first and second engagement members and laterally with respect to the spacing members for providing lateral support to the spacing members.
 2. The bracing panel of claim 1 in combination with a reinforcement member configured for connection adjacent at least one of the plurality of spacing members to reinforce the spacing member against in-plane bending.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The bracing panel of claim 1 in combination with at least one hanger configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a truss and support a bracing panel to position the bracing panel with respect to the truss and connect the bracing panel to the truss.
 5. The bracing panel of claim 1, further comprising: a first nailing plate connecting the first engagement member, a first spacing member of the plurality of spacing members, and the bracing member; a second nailing plate connecting the second engagement member, a second spacing member of the plurality of spacing members, and the bracing member; a third nailing plate connecting the first engagement member and the second spacing member; and a fourth nailing plate connecting the second engagement member and the first spacing member.
 6. A braced truss frame comprising: first and second trusses, each truss including a chord member having an upper surface aligned coplanar with the chord member of the other truss, each chord member having a length; and a plurality of first bracing panels attached to the chord member of the first truss and attached to the chord member of the second truss, the first bracing panels having a width sized for spacing the first and second trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing, the first bracing panels maintaining the chord members of the first and second trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing, the first bracing panels being spaced apart from one another along the length of each chord member.
 7. The braced truss frame of claim 6, wherein each of the first bracing panels comprises: first and second engagement members having outer faces extending parallel to each other; a plurality of spacing members attached to the first and second engagement members, the plurality of spacing members configured and dimensioned to maintain the outer faces of the first and second engagement members parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing; and a bracing member extending between the first and second engagement members and laterally with respect to the spacing members for providing lateral support to the spacing members.
 8. The braced truss frame of claim 7, wherein the first engagement member engages the chord member of the first truss along a length of the first engagement member and the second engagement member engages the chord member of the second truss along a length of the second engagement member.
 9. The braced truss frame of claim 8, wherein each of the spacing members include first and second end faces, each of the first bracing panels being attached to the trusses by fasteners extending through the chord members and into the first and second end faces of each spacing member.
 10. The braced truss frame of claim 9, further comprising a reinforcement member connected to the first truss and the second truss adjacent at least one of the plurality of spacing members to reinforce the spacing member against in-plane bending.
 11. The braced truss frame of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement member has a width generally equal to the width of the bracing panel.
 12. The braced truss frame of claim 7, further comprising at least one hanger connecting the first engagement member and the first truss and at least one hanger connecting the second engagement member and the second truss.
 13. The braced truss frame of claim 7, wherein each of the first bracing panels further comprises nailing plates attaching the first and second engagement members to the first and second spacing members and to the bracing member.
 14. The braced truss frame of claim 7, further comprising a third truss including a chord member having an upper surface aligned coplanar with the upper surfaces of the chord members of the first and second trusses, and a plurality of second bracing panels, each of the second bracing panels being attached to the chord member of the second truss and attached to the chord member of the third truss, the second bracing panels having a width sized for spacing the second and third trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing, the second bracing panels maintaining the chord members of the second and third trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing.
 15. The braced truss frame of claim 6, further comprising an anchor attached to at least one of the first and second trusses adjacent to one of the first bracing panels, the anchor being adapted to support a worker after the braced truss frame is installed and secured to a wall structure.
 16. A method of preparing a truss frame for installation on a wall structure, the method comprising: connecting a plurality of first bracing panels to a first truss prior to installation of the first truss on the wall structure, a first engagement member of each of the first bracing panels extending parallel to and engaging a chord member of the first truss along a length of the first engagement member, the first bracing panels being spaced apart from one another along a length of the chord member; connecting a second truss to the first bracing panels opposite the first truss prior to installation of the first and second trusses on the wall structure, a second engagement member of each of the first bracing panels extending parallel to and engaging a chord member of the second truss along a length of the second engagement member, each of the first bracing panels having a width sized for spacing the first and second trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing, the first bracing panels maintaining the chord members of the first and second trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting a plurality of second bracing panels to the second truss and connecting a third truss to the second bracing panels opposite the second truss, the second bracing panels having a width sized for spacing the second and third trusses by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing, the second bracing panels maintaining chord members of the second and third trusses parallel and spaced by the predetermined truss spacing.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching an anchor to at least one of the first, second, and third trusses adjacent to one of the first and second bracing panels, the anchor being adapted to support a worker after the truss frame is installed and secured to the wall structure.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein attaching the first bracing panels to the first truss comprises securing a first portion of a hanger to a surface of a chord member of the first truss and securing a second portion of the hanger to a surface of the first engagement member.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting a reinforcement member to the first truss and the second truss adjacent at least one of the plurality of first bracing panels to reinforce the first bracing panels.
 21. The bracing panel of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second engagement members has an inner face extending parallel to the outer face of the respective engagement member, wherein no portion of the single bracing member extends beyond the inner face of each engagement member in a direction toward the respective outer face. 